Page 105 of Hidden Trial

“I want to know whether or not it’s arrived.”

“The only jet that’s landed here today belongs to Antonio Delgado.”

Bingo. “That’ll be the one.”

“Mr. Delgado is not a man you want to keep waiting.”

Will winced. “I know. I’m hoping he’ll be in a good mood. I’ve heard through the grapevine that he’s found himself a lovely young woman. I’m hoping she’s with him to keep him distracted. Keep his spirits up, if you know what I mean?”

“No.”

“No, you don’t know what I mean, or no, there was no woman?”

“There was no young woman with him, I’m afraid.”

“None at all? Are you sure? That’s too bad. I may have to make myself scarce.”

“I would if I were you.”

“Is he really as bad as people say he is?”

“Worse.”

“And you haven’t seen any young women around today at all? Coming in on another flight, perhaps?”

The man looked at the ground. “No.”

“Ah, so someone did come in.”

“You asked if a woman came in with Mr. Delgado, and I told you that no one did.”

“But a woman did arrive here today?”

“I can’t say.”

“Why not?”

“It’s none of my business.”

“Why not?”

“Not my job.”

“Right. Your job is to look the other way? I take that to mean she came on a flight with no passengers listed?”

“I have nothing to say about that.”

“No need. Thank you. I appreciate your assistance.”

“I didn’t give you any information.”

“No. You gave me nothing. Have a nice day.”

The man’s shoes clipped along as he hustled to get away.

* * *

Antonio ordered his driver to pull over on the side of a wide, dusty road lined with low buildings in various states of disrepair.

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